Solar Panel Cost Guide in Blakely, GA (2024 Update)
- Blakely Solar Installation Cost: $17,031
- 25-Year Savings: $26,216
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Blakely
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Blakely.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Blakely it’s 4 per watt.The average Blakely homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,031 with the federal tax credit, or $24,354 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Blakely depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $23,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Blakely for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Blakely
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,438 |
| 3 years | $-12,252 |
| 5 years | $-9,065 |
| 7 years | $-5,879 |
| 9 years | $-2,692 |
| 11 years | $494 |
| 13 years | $3,681 |
| 15 years | $6,867 |
| 17 years | $10,054 |
| 19 years | $13,240 |
| 21 years | $16,427 |
| 23 years | $19,613 |
| 25 years | $22,799 |
Top Solar Installers in Blakely
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Blakely
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Blakely
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Blakely: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,740 per kilowatt in Blakely.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Blakely is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.89 | $16,336 | $18,552 | 11.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $25,156 | 11.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $31,968 | 11.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $38,990 | 11.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $46,221 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $53,662 | 10.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $61,312 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $69,172 | 10.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Blakely, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Blakely?
The average cost of solar panels in Blakely is about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Blakely?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,162.96 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Blakely?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.